Sunday, August 5, 2018

An Encouragement to “Bad” Christian Video Game Designers

I recently watched a video
by Joseph Levesque on the Apostolic Game Designers channel calling out what
makes a “bad” Christian video game.

I agreed with a lot of his points, as many
people undoubtedly would, but there was one point that I feel bears some
rebuttal.

RPG Maker MV

He argued that Christian video games have a bad reputation
because of their low production value. Now, I freely admit that my game doesn’t
cost a lot to make. I use a simple game engine because I’m not a programmer and
some stock artwork because I’m not an artist. Neither do I have the money to
pay a team of designers to make my game for me.

Does that mean that I made a bad game? What’s a hobbyist to
do?

The Problem of Comparison

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some
who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare
themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” – 2 Corinthians 10:12

A game only has low production value when compared to
another game. But what if you’re not comparing your game to someone else’s
work? How does it stand on its own merit? Is it fun to play? Does it keep the
player’s attention? If so, then you’ve done what you set out to do.

Using Your Talents

If you don’t have the talent to make a Triple A game, should
you abandon your project? That would be like telling an
adequate-but-nothing-special singer that they can’t join in the church choir.
Is the goal to have the most impressive choir or to let people use their
talents (little though they be) to praise their God?

I’m reminded of the verse that says, “Who
are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or
fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand” (Romans
14:4).

Only God can judge that average singer, and
only God can judge your efforts in making a Christian video game. What others
see as poor production God sees as honoring Him. Use what talents you have and
forget those who would judge you based on the abilities of someone else.

What is a Bad Christian Video Game?

Low tech, highly effective

Bad is not low-level production. The Bible, after all, is very
low-tech with low production value, but it’s still very effective. Even today,
people learn from it without criticizing it for having poor production.

Now, I’m not comparing any Christian video game with the
Bible. I’m simply saying that production isn’t everything. If you’re making a
Christian video game and don’t have the funds for high-tech production, you can
still have a fun, effective game. You can still have a compelling story with
fun gameplay and learning and real-life application.

The only truly bad Christian video game is one that’s made
with wrong motives. There are companies that create games not because they’re
Christian but because they want to capitalize on the Christian market. “Hey,
Christians, I made a game that has the word ‘Jesus.’ Pay me.”

What to Do as a Christian Hobbyist Video Game Maker

Finish the Race! First
of all, keep going! If God’s laid a project on your heart, see it to fruition.
As Joseph Levesque (the video maker I mentioned above) noted in another video,
there are many Christian video games that never reach completion.

One of the reasons people fail to finish their games is
because they’re trying to make something with too high of a production value. They can’t maintain their momentum
or the funding to keep the project going.

But if you’re a hobbyist working at relatively low cost, you
won’t have as many problems as someone wanting to launch that large-studio
project. It’s all on you, but at least you can finish your project.

Be Creative. Second,
make the game that you want and can make. That’s what being an indie developer
is all about. Don’t compare yourself to other game companies. Don’t imitate
others for the sake of imitation. Carry out the artistic vision that God has
given you with the talents that you have.

Practice Humility.
When your game is finished, be humble and don’t present it as something that
it’s not. Your production value will be lower than big name studios, so don’t
charge big name prices. Don’t tout your game as innovative or
“industry-changing” or as the greatest game ever when it’s probably not. Simply
present it as an offering to the Lord and to the Christian gaming community.

Don’t expect fame or success for your hours spent in making
the game. As Jesus said, “Will he thank the servant because he
did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were
told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty’”
(Luke 17:9-10).

You’re making your game for God’ s glory and
the good of the Body, not for any recognition. Don’t expect it, and don’t let
anyone tell you your project isn’t good enough. You did your duty, and that’s
all God asks of you.